Non-Service-Connected Pension

A Non-Service-Connected pension is a tax-free monthly monetary benefit paid by the VA.  This is different than the pension paid to retirees. This is a tax-free benefit provided to certain Veterans by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Non-Service-Connected pension program provides monthly payments to wartime Veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements, and who have income and net worth within certain limits. Find out if you’re eligible for this benefit.

           Both of these must be true: 

1. You didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, and
2. Your yearly family income and net worth meet certain limits set by Congress. Your net worth includes all personal property you own (except your house, your car, and most home furnishings), minus any debt you owe. Your net worth includes the net worth of your spouse. 

      And at least one of these must be true about your service: 

1. You started on active duty before September 8, 1980, and you served at least 90 days on active duty with at least 1 day during wartime, or
2. You started on active duty as an enlisted person after September 7, 1980, and served at least 24 months or the full period for which you were called or ordered to active duty (with some exceptions) with at least 1 day during wartime, or
3. You were an officer and started on active duty after October 16, 1981, and you hadn’t previously served on active duty for at least 24 months

      And at least one of these must be true:

1. You’re at least 65 years old, or
2. You have a permanent and total disability, or
3. You’re a patient in a nursing home for long-term care because of a disability, or
4. You’re getting Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income

For more information including how to apply visit the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs website.